Youth protection

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

The Boy Scouts of America has adopted Youth protection policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.

New leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration. The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.

Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. If a volunteer's Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.

Volunteers who wish to take the online Youth Protection Training Course in the E-Learning module at MyScouting.Org may do so at any time — you do not need a member ID to take this course.

– Once you have registered at MyScouting.Org, click on E-Learning and select Youth Protection Training under the General tab.

– Once you successfully complete the online course, you will receive an electronic, printable certificate of completion.

– When you add your member ID to your Profile, the course completion will be updated for your council.

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training (YPT) is required for non-Venturing adult leaders before the time of recharter, new non-Venturing leaders before they submit their application for registration, and other specific BSA volunteers. Training is valid for two years from the date of completion. An online version of Youth Protection Training Course is available at MyScouting.Org; a member ID in not required to take this course.

Venturing Youth Protection Training

Venturing Youth Protection Training (VYPT) serves the same purpose as regular Youth Protection Training, but includes specific training on coed groups and activities, and the differences in younger and older adolescents. VYPT is required for adult Venturing leaders before the time of recharter, new Venturing leaders before they submit their application for registration, and for specific youth such as resident camp staff. Training is valid for two years from the date of completion. An online version of Youth Protection Training Course is available at MyScouting.Org; a member ID in not required to take this course.

Youth Protection Guidelines

The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders the following online, video, and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs.

Leadership Selection

The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. Our chartered organizations endeavor to recruit the best possible leaders for their units.

The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child molester, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child molester by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and other matters.

Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting

The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.

Two-deep leadership

Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.

No one-on-one contact

One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.

Respect of privacy

Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.

Cameras, imaging, and digital devices

While most campers and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it has become very easy to invade the privacy of individuals. It is inappropriate to use any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.

Separate accommodations

When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.

Proper preparation for high-adventure activities

Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.

No secret organizations

The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.

Appropriate attire

Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.

Constructive discipline

Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.

Hazing prohibited

Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.

Junior leader training and supervision

Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.

Member responsibilities

All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit.

Unit responsibilities

The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit's adult leader. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.

Digital Privacy

A key ingredient for a safe and healthy Scouting experience is the respect for privacy. Advances in technology are enabling new forms of social interaction that extend beyond the appropriate use of cameras or recording devices (see “Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting”). Sending sexually explicit photographs or videos electronically or “sexting” by cell phones is a form of texting being practiced primarily by young adults and children as young as middle-school age. Sexting is neither safe, nor private, nor an approved form of communication and can lead to severe legal consequences for the sender and the receiver. Although most campers and leaders use digital devices responsibly, educating them about the appropriate use of cell phones and cameras would be a good safety and privacy measure.

The "three R's" of Youth Protection

The "three R's" of Youth Protection convey a simple message to youth members:

Recognize situations that place you at risk of being molested, how child molesters operate, and that anyone could be a molester.

Resist unwanted and inappropriate attention. Resistance will stop most attempts at molestation.

Report attempted or actual molestation to a parent or other trusted adult. This prevents further abuse and helps to protect other children. Let the Scout know he or she will not be blamed for what occurred.